Despite significant public outcry for years that it should be shut down, the state’s Dept. of Environmental Protection has granted a permit extension to BRADS Landfill until January 20, 2035.
BRADS Landfill’s initial permit granted in 2015 expired in January 2025 but since then, DEP has granted several extensions to the original permit. Also, the Burma Rd. dump has been the recipient of several Technical Deficiency Letters issued by DEP for operational issues.
But on Thursday, DEP’s Environmental Program Manager Roger Bellas informed David Pannucci, regional engineer of Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site Holdings Inc. (BRADS Landfill), via letter that the state agency was granting a 10-year permit renewal. The renewal is good from the date of the initial permit’s expiration in 2025.
The landfill has been the subject of much public outcry over putrid odors emanating from the site in Blythe Township, mainly from nearby Saint Clair residents, and residents complaining of health complications they link to the landfill. Between the landfill’s application to renew its permit for another 10 years and now, DEP has hosted a pair of public hearings to glean input into those issues and listen to residents’ concerns.
As part of the permit renewal, BRADS must comply with a number of modifications spelled out by DEP:
Cell Development Plan: Within 60 days of the permit’s issuance, BRADS must submit an updated plan that includes estimated dates for waste disposal and the placement of intermediate and final covers for each cell. The plan must include drawings showing the sequencing of active, intermediate, final cover, and vegetated areas for each cell.
Groundwater Monitoring Well Relocation: BRADS must move monitoring well MW-4D to a better location for tracking downgradient groundwater. This new site must be free from external factors that could affect groundwater chemistry. A well plan and proposed locations must be submitted to DEP before relocation.
Litter Fencing: BRADS is required to build litter fencing around the southern limit of future Cell 4, using a design similar to the existing fencing at Cell 1.
Intermediate Cover and Vegetation: For any partial lift where waste will not be added for one year, BRADS must install intermediate cover or an approved alternative. These areas must be capable of supporting plant growth, and vegetation must be established within 30 days of installation.
Traffic Control Plan: BRADS must enforce a traffic plan that identifies permitted routes for all waste hauling vehicles. They must communicate these routes to all haulers and investigate any complaints or violations regarding drivers not following the plan.
Leachate Management: If an agreement to discharge leachate directly to the Schuylkill Valley Sewer Authority is not reached by May 29, BRADS must apply for a major permit modification to allow for the permanent vehicular transportation of leachate to an off-site facility.
Leachate Records: BRADS must maintain records of the volume of leachate generated and disposed of, providing this data to DEP in monthly landfill reports.
Gas Control System: A gas control system must be built within Cells 3, 4, 5, and 6 to collect landfill gas and reduce hydrogen sulfide odors. This system must be constructed as each cell is developed. Within 60 days of permit issuance, BRADS must submit detailed plans for these systems.
Odor Mitigation Equipment: BRADS must continue to operate and maintain the landfill gas flare and hydrogen sulfide vacuum adsorption vessels (V-201 and V-301). These systems may be modified if they are not effectively mitigating odors, but BRADS must notify DEP 10 days before any such modifications.
Gas Data Reporting: BRADS must submit monthly reports by the 15th of each month containing landfill gas well data, readings, and flare emissions data.
Hydrogen Sulfide Monitoring: BRADS must keep a hydrogen sulfide meter (with a detection limit of less than 10 ppb) on-site and have trained staff available to use it during business hours.
They must conduct daily perimeter checks for odors. If odors are detected, they must use the meter to find the source and take corrective action according to their Nuisance Minimization and Control Plan (NMCP). Records of these checks and actions must be documented and available to DEP.
BRADS must perform quarterly surface emissions monitoring for hydrogen sulfide across all active and intermediate cover areas. They must document results, identify any readings above 30 ppb, and initiate corrective actions.
Cell 1 Requirements: BRADS must finish regrading, placing final cover, and revegetating Cell 1 before they can begin disposing of waste in Cell 4. Revegetation and final cover must be completed within 30 days of finishing the regrading. Upon completion, a Construction Certification (Form 37) must be submitted to DEP.
Five-Year Review: DEP will re-evaluate the permit within five years to ensure it meets current technology and operating standards. By April 30, 2031, BRADS must submit a summary to DEP of all operational changes made since the permit was issued.
News of the renewal was not received kindly among those who have been the most outspoken against BRADS Landfill in recent years.
Taryn Fatula, whose family owns land bordering the landfill along Burma Rd., tells Coal Region Canary, “I am very disappointed and disgusted to hear that the BRADS landfill has gotten yet another permit extension from DEP that will allow them to operate until 2035, despite their numerous ongoing violations, ongoing odor issues, leachate disposal issues, and close proximity to the drinking water of thousands of Schuylkill County residents. Waste Connections who owns and operates this putrid landfill has proven their incompetence over and over again, but yet DEP continues to side with them and has given them chance after chance to resubmit their applications until they finally get it ‘right’.”
Fatula also takes aim at DEP for its decision to grant the renewal in the face of such vehement public outcry. She adds, “Who exactly is DEP ‘protecting’? What does it take for DEP to actually deny a landfill permit? (historically under Roger Bellas DEP has not denied even one landfill permit, which also begs many questions). A huge part of the problem is that the entire system is set up from the beginning in favor of these wealthy corporate polluters and the community is left to try to fight an uphill battle while enduring all of the consequences. We have a right to clean air and water, and for the residents of St Clair, that right is being denied.”
Dr. Erin Portland, of Saint Clair, who speaks regularly at public meetings informing elected officials of BRADS Landfill’s latest compliance shortcomings, tells The Canary, “DEP’s decision to renew the BRADS Landfill permit through 2035 is incredibly disappointing. We have documented years of odors, health concerns, and violations… yet the burden continues to fall on the community instead of BRADS LANDFILL. We are calling on those in leadership positions to step up and advocate for the people of Saint Clair, who deserve to be heard and protected.”
DEP says anyone aggrieved by its decision to renew BRADS Landfill’s permit may appeal it to the Environmental Hearing Board. A Notice of Appeal form and the Board’s rules of practice and procedure may be obtained online at
www.ehb.pa.gov or by contacting the Secretary to the Board at 717-787-3483.
Fatula says she and others will continue to oppose the landfill and any future plans it may have.
“The fight is not over, as BRADS is currently pursuing the purchase of an additional 177 acres from Reading Anthracite to expand even further towards the community of St Clair. I urge all concerned residents of St Clair and Schuylkill County to speak up; contact DEP, the Governor, and your elected officials and make it clear to them that we deserve better and demand some action now,” she says.
BRADS LANDFILL: Coal Region Canary provides more coverage than all other news outlets combined as concerned Saint Clair residents continue to voice their opposition to the Burma Rd. landfill. Read our full coverage by following this link: BRADS Landfill
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